BATA, Equatorial Guinea – Pope Leo XIV met youth and families on Wednesday evening in an event filled with singing, dancing and the flags of the Vatican and Equatorial Guinea in a stadium filled with enthusiastic Catholics.
Even amid persistent rain, the atmosphere remained festive, with chants, songs of the Virgin Mary and crowds greeting the Pope as he drove around the grounds in the Popemobile.
Before the Pope spoke, Bishop Miguel Ángel Nguema B, apostolic administrator and head of youth ministry of the Equatorial Guinea Bishops’ Conference, welcomed him to the country and the Bata Diocese. He described Equatorial Guinea as “a young country, full of energy, questions and a thirst for life”, while acknowledging its challenges and affirming that “Christ is our light.”
Local songs and dances were accompanied by the presentation of gifts to the Pope, which included a fishing net, a statue of the Virgin Mary, a model boat and a staff – objects reflecting the country’s daily life and cultural traditions.
Many youth and families then testified.
Alicia Ikimo Ipo, a youth worker, talked about what it means to be a Christian in daily life and bringing Christ into ordinary work and human relationships.
A young married couple, Purificación Ntongono Nguema and Jaime Antonio Ndong, shared their hope for an Equatorial Guinea marked by united and reconciled families, open to dialogue and forgiveness, and rooted in marriage as taught by the Church.
Seminarian Francisco Martín Nez Obiang spoke of overcoming fear in responding to God’s call, saying he has found that when Christ calls, he takes nothing but gives everything.
The most touching testimony was from 13-year-old Arnoldo Abeso Ondo, who spoke about growing up with only his mother and the importance for youth to respect themselves, take care of themselves, and live responsibly.
The Pope then turned to the testimonies he had heard.
Speaking about Alicia he said: “In this regard, Alicia spoke to us about the importance of being faithful to one’s duties and contributing to the well-being of the family and society through daily work.” He said his words invite reflection “on the importance of productive, committed effort and the need to always uphold the dignity of every human being.”
Turning to the witness of Francisco Martín, Leo said the seminarian “has given us a glimpse of the beautiful reality of so many young people who give themselves completely to God for the salvation of their brothers and sisters.”
Encouraging the call, the Pope said: “Therefore, if you feel that Christ is calling you to follow the path of special consecration – as priests, religious sisters or religious brothers – do not be afraid to follow in his footsteps. As he himself promised, I also want to assure you today that you will receive ‘a hundredfold and … eternal life’ (Matthew 19:29).”
Addressing family life and marriage, Leo said: “Many of you will be ready to receive the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. Becoming spouses and parents is an exciting mission – a covenant to live day by day. Within this covenant, you will constantly rediscover each other as you cooperate with God in the miracle of life and in the creation of happiness for yourself and your children.”
He urged couples to embrace marriage “as a journey of true love that grows in freedom; as a journey of hope, born of the knowledge that God will never abandon you; and as a journey of holiness, in which you always seek the well-being and happiness of others.”
The Pope also thanked Victor Antonio – the official text names the young witness whose testimony focused on the need to protect life and care for the vulnerable – saying: “I thank Victor Antonio heartily for sharing his story with such honesty and courage.”
Leo said: “Their testimony may trouble us, but it does not discourage us. Rather, it invites us to build a better world – one based on respect for growing life and a sense of responsibility for the most vulnerable among us.”
He added: “Victor Antonio reminds us that welcoming life requires love, commitment and care. These words, spoken by a young man, should inspire us to seriously consider the importance of protecting and safeguarding the family and the values learned within it.”
Summarizing his message as an appeal for Christian love, Leo said: “Let us be inspired by the beauty of love; let us be witnesses of the love that Jesus has given us and taught us! Let us show every day that it is beautiful to love – that the greatest happiness, in every situation, comes from knowing how to give and giving of ourselves, especially when we reach out to those who are most in need.”
He concluded by linking home-based charity to the transformation of society: “The light of charity, nurtured in our homes and lived in faith, can truly transform the world – even its structures and institutions – so that every person is respected and no one is forgotten.”
“Let us together make this a determination, a joyful commitment, so that the crucified and risen Christ – the light of Equatorial Guinea, of Africa and of the whole world – may guide us all towards a future filled with hope,” he said.
this story was first published By ACI Stampa, EWTN News’ Italian language partner service. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
